How To Take Cuttings For Plant Propagation

Know how to and when to take plant cuttings for propagation. If you are trying to root stem cuttings to produce new plants, then taking plant cuttings is an important step. If the cuttings are not correct and proper, then the cuttings will not root and your whole effort and time will go waste.
 Learn the correct way and tips for taking cuttings for plant propagation so that you always succeed in rooting a cutting (how to propagate plants). propagation from leaf cuttings

How To Take Cuttings For Propagation

Tips For Taking Cuttings For Rooting/Propagation

Planting cuttings of blueberries

1. Avoid taking cuttings when the plant is in flower.
   
   
2. Avoid taking cuttings from plants that are water stressed.
   
   
3. The cutting should have at least 2 to 3 nodes and of a pencil length, about 10 - 12 cm (4 - 5 inch) and 3-4 cm thick.
   
   
4. The lower cut should be just below a node (leaf joint) and at on an angle. This node will be in the growing medium (soil) where the roots will develop. The leaf nodes contain a large area of meristem tissue containing meristem cells that can grow and divide to form various kinds of cells for plant growth, including roots using the plant’s own hormones, auxin and cytokinin.
   
   

How To prepare Cuttings For Propagation

1. Some species are difficult to root at nodes, so they should be wounded to encourage rooting. Scrape  the outer layer of bark of the stem at the base or make small cuts on either side of the stem at the base.
   
   
2. Remove all the leaves except the top two leaf sets. If the leaves are too broad like that of hibiscus plant, cut them to half or roll them and put rubber bands over them. It is thought that leaves have an ability to generate hormones suitable for developing roots. Cutting or rolling the leaves will prevent too much moisture loss through the leaves.
   
   
3. Do not allow plant cuttings to expose in full sunlight, keep them in shade.
   
   
4. Keep the cuttings cool until they are placed into the propagating medium. If you need considerable time for potting up, you can store the cuttings in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
   
   
5. If you are taking cuttings from your friend's or neighbour's house, wrap them in a moist paper  and enclose it in a plastic bag.
   
   
6. Types of plant cuttings for propagation
7. Best soil mix for rooting cuttings

Best Time For Plant Propagation

Best time for propagation is early morning, when the plant tissues contain the most water.

Video of Plant Propagation from Cuttings

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